Destiny's Present meets Destiny's Past

I cannot tell you how much fun it's been to finish The Light and the Flame and head into Lucia's story, the 3rd book in the Gemini series. I write by the seat of my pants. I sit down, stick my fingers on the keyboard, and I'm off and running. My body relaxes as the thoughts flow. I watch the movie take place in my mind and write down what I see. After I'm done for the day, I spend the next 12-18 hours worrying about what comes next, because I rarely know. 

This time, however, I decided I was going to do an outline. First I wrote down everything I could think of pertaining to Lucia's world. The weather, the landscape, the changes since the crossing. Then I started an outline on the story. You know, kinda like chapter one, chapter two, etc. I never got beyond chapter one.

I changed tactics. I described Lucia's personality. No good. I had no idea who she really was. How could I describe a child in touch with God? It seemed beyond me.

Finally, I started the book. There, hidden in my fingers and waiting to come across the page, was my Lucia. Strong willed to the point of defiance. A child of the weather, of life, of emotion. She simply sings with a love of life. Seriously, I have never met anyone like her.

Now I'm left to wonder what comes next. I am doomed to write under stress

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As you all know our publisher, Crescent Moon Press, was hit hard by Sandy. Since then, I've been highlighting CMP authors. It's a nice way to give back to a company that has given so much. If you have a chance, please click on the link and check out CMP's available books.

Now I have the pleasure and honor of introducting you to Pat Lee.

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Before we move into Pat's wonderful books, here is her biography:

Pat has had a love affair with the written word since childhood, many times immersing herself in the stories of Enid Blyton and Carolyn Keene. Her active imagination gave inspiration to short stories and her first play as a teen.

As an adult she has penned an award winning short story titled The Battle and A Precious Glimpse in Time published in an anthology. Her full-length play, The Truth About Lies, was staged at a theatrical festival competition in 2008.

Although still in pursuit of a place truly called home, Pat currently lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three cats, all of which claim rule over the house at one point or another.

When her nose isn't pressed to the laptop monitor, you can find her at the public library. Besides dreaming up her next novel, Pat also enjoys traveling, baking, camping, wine, and of course reading - not necessarily in that order.

Website: www.patriciaclee.com
Email: [email protected]
Blog: www.authorpatriciaclee.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpatriciaclee

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DAUGHTERS OF THE CRESCENT MOON TRILOGY

Destiny's Past
by Patricia C. Lee
Purchase e-Book
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Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1937254025
Length: Novel
Publication Date: July 2011
Cover art by Ash Arceneaux

No-nonsense medical examiner, Kelly Richards, relies on the familiar comforts of science and scalpels to get her through the day. So when a not-so-dead guy who claims he's from the past lands on her autopsy table, she considers calling the men in white coats to escort him to a padded room. But Jarek's old-world ways and hot gaze trick her heart into falling for him—a mistake she swore she'd never make again.

When Jarek, Prince of Leisos, discovers someone he trusts has been slowly poisoning him, he travels to the future in search of a cure. Driven by vengeance, he enlists the help of an impudent scientist to return him to his time. Caught between his growing desire for Kelly and the need to expose his would-be assassin before he strikes again, Jarek must either forfeit his ticket home or lose the only woman he's ever loved.

Excerpt

Apparently she made it home, since she was sitting in her apartment parking lot, but Kelly had no recollection of driving. Her eyes zeroed in on the blue rose lying on the passenger seat.

He was here.

Her heart thudded in her chest. She stumbled out of the vehicle, locked it, and ran to the entrance of her building, glancing over her shoulder every few feet. David had found her. Did he want to resume their relationship? Maybe the flower was only a token to say hello. If so, he would have left a note.

Her hand shook so much, she dropped her keys. She retrieved them from the carpet and cupped her right hand with her left to slide the key into the lock. With a heavenly snick, the lock gave. She zipped inside.

And collided with a compact wall of muscle. Shrieking, Kelly backed against the closed door. Her heart raced like a trapped animal.

"Kelly, Kelly." The hall light flicked on. Jarek stood in front of her, arms outstretched, his eyes darting to the door behind her.

She took a step forward, slid her arms around his solid, warm body, and held on tight. Since her parents died, she'd relied on no one. But she needed Jarek now. As his powerful arms held her close, the steady beat of his heart calmed her, and the adrenaline burst ebbed.

Jarek tucked her head beneath his chin and caressed her back in slow, soothing strokes. When she broke their embrace, he held on a moment longer, then gave her a final squeeze. A tremor danced through her when he stepped away and framed her face with his hands. Craving more of his touch, she started to close the gap between them, but changed her mind. Best to keep her distance.

"Are you all right?" His eyes mirrored the concern in his voice.

Kelly flushed. She was a grown woman and shouldn't be running to the nearest person for comfort-especially a man who claimed to be a time traveler, but in all likelihood was from the loony bin. She couldn't meet his gaze. He took her wrist, led her to the living room, and pulled her down to sit on the couch. Jarek tilted her chin to look in her eyes.

"What is wrong?" His lips pursed into a thin line. "Something frightened you. Tell me. Perhaps I can help."

His old world charm pulled a smile to the edges of Kelly's mouth. Whether he was crazy or not, his concern warmed the iciness in her veins. It might be good to tell another person of the guilt she lived with every day, the pain invading her soul.

Kelly pressed her lips together and plucked at an unseen fiber on the couch. Jarek took her fingers in his strong, warm hand and caressed them with his thumb.

"After my sister died, I was in a really dark place. I broke off my relationship with David, the man I was seeing at the time. Naturally, he was disappointed and upset. He didn't understand why I wouldn't want him to help me through a difficult period of my life. But I needed to be by myself. And I needed time to heal, away from everyone and everything. The best way for me to deal was not to deal.

"I threw myself into my studies, doubling up on courses. When I wasn't at school, I took whatever extra shifts I could at work. David thought that once I finished grieving, we could get back together. And maybe, unconsciously, I sent that message, but it wasn't intentional. He said I was avoiding him, but in essence, I was avoiding life. Instead of giving me the space I wanted, he became persistent, waiting for me after work or wanting to help with my studies."

Kelly stopped speaking as she walked through memories of those dark days in her mind, seeing the shadows of her existence. School. Work. The fitful sleep. Not eating for days. The endless numbness.

The deep, soft timber of Jarek's voice broke into her reverie. "Perhaps it was the only way he knew to aid you."

"Maybe." But every time she saw him, she saw Stephanie. She couldn't tell Jarek that. Not now. Not yet. "I asked him not to contact me again. He became angry, defensive, accused me of playing him. It got to the point where I thought it best to break off all contact. So I left. I packed up everything I could take with me in a weekend and drove away."

Kelly leaned back against the couch and closed her eyes. Memories sliced her heart into jagged pieces. She sighed and then looked at him.

"Tonight, when I finished work, I found a single blue rose on the windshield of my car. David knows my favorite flower is a blue rose."

"You believe this man, David, has returned?" Jarek's brows knotted together.

"I haven't dated since I moved here a year ago. No one else knows what my favorite flower is, and a blue rose is not that common. He's here. I know it."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm not sure."

"Do you wish to resume a relationship with this man?" His hand tensed around hers.

"No."

"Why not? He has taken the time to find you, so he must care for you. Did you not enjoy his company when you were together?"

"Oh, I know David cares for me, but there is such a thing as caring too much."

"I do not understand." Jarek frowned, shaking his head.

"In my time, it's called stalking." Kelly blinked. In my time. Now why would she say it like that, as if she were explaining it to someone who wasn't from this era? Must have been a slip of the tongue.

"Explain 'stalking.'"

"It's when a person doesn't take 'no' for an answer. They believe they're meant to be with you, no matter what. There are different degrees. David was persistent, but I'm pretty sure he would never hurt me. I just don't want to see him again. I don't have those types of feelings for him anymore."

A spark flickered in Jarek's eyes. "What do you mean?"

"You know, when you can't wait to see the other person. When they look at you, and your whole world lights up. The soft butterfly tingling in your stomach when they gaze into your eyes…"

She blushed and turned away. Why the embarrassment? It wasn't like she felt that way with Jarek. Hell, she didn't even know the guy. "Haven't you had those feelings before?"

His expression was inscrutable. He made no reply, but he held her gaze. Deep, steady, and unblinking, like he was trying to see into her heart. The silence dragged on for an eternity. There was only so much of her soul she was willing to reveal. The agony of that fateful night was still too painful and raw to expose to a virtual stranger.

Closing her eyes, she rested against the couch with a sigh. The weight on her heart eased a bit. The couch shifted as Jarek rose.

A series of four sharp pops split the silence.

My Five Star Amazon Review

On a hot summer day I was in need of something to read. Something that would capture my attention so I could ignore the screaming grandchildren.

Destiny's Past accomplished that feat--amazing in itself.

Straight-laced Kelly Richards, Medical Examiner, runs headlong into a paranormal world where magic resides. Jarek is our hero, a dead man who claims he's from another world--a prince in fact, of Leisos, a magical world where he rules.

Since this is a paranormal romance, time-traveling duo, you know what happens next. One look into his eyes and Kelly falls in love--or lust--whatever it is, the pull Jarek has on her soul is overwhelming.

However, someone is trying to kill Jarek so he has to travel forward into the future to find a cure. Then, he'll have to travel back into the past to find out who the traitor is.

In the meantime, Jarek has to decide what he wants more. His life or Kelly, the woman of his dreams.

Lee is a fluid writer who manages to pull off a time-travel novel without leaving threads behind. (Except the few that will lead to the sequel.) It's a quick read and very enjoyable.

I highly recommend it to those with a love of the paranormal

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Destiny's Present
by Patricia C. Lee
Purchase e-Book
Purchase Print
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN-13: 9781937254933
Length: Novel
Publication Date: December 2012
Cover art by Taria Reed

Blurb:

Destiny’s Present
Book 2 Daughters of the Crescent Moon Trilogy


The sorceress Narena has done many things for Leisos – advised the king, helped heal a young girl and sent a prince forward in time to save his life. Now, to protect her people, she may have to sacrifice herself, her lover, her child. Maybe even all three.

She hunts for the one who threatens the royal family and the throne of Leisos. And also seeks the daughter taken from her at birth. There’s only one problem. They might be one and the same. What she finds on her quest is love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, and a revelation that will change her life forever.

Ardis is a warrior and former captain of the king’s army. His allegiance to the throne lives in his blood – as does the secret he carries. He will protect both at all costs. Even if it means killing Narena or someone she loves.

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I haven't yet read Dentiny's Present because I had so many reviews to do before her. However, it is far up on my TBR list. Pat is a remarkablely talented author. Her world building is amazing, her characters believable, and you should check out the reviews for both her books. Since I haven't reviewed Dentiny's Present, here are a few reviews for your reading pleasure:


By debbie from Idaho - See all my reviews

Destiny's Present (Daughters of the Crescent Moon) (Kindle Edition) Author, Patricia Lee, is an amazing writer and has brought Sorceress Narena, Medical Examiner Kelly and the rest of the characters to life in this very entertaining and well written sequel. This book is written with so much action, imagination and suspense that I couldn't put it down. I am now patiently waiting for book 3 of the exciting Daughters of the Crescent Moon Trilogy.


By Bookaholic83 - See all my reviews
Destiny's Present (Daughters of the Crescent Moon) (Kindle Edition)

Do yourself a favor and don't begin to read this book in bed. ;-) I lost major zzz's while reading Destiny's Present (Daughters of the Crescent Moon)! Seriously, I could NOT put it down. But in return I gained precious memories of a faraway land and place that will forever occupy a special place in my heart. Narena's story grabbed me from the very first page and held on tight until I reached 'the end'. Destiny's Present, like Destiny's Past (Daughters of the Crescent Moon), is a must-read, 5-Star romantic, magical adventure. I can't wait for book 3 of the trilogy.

Thanks for stopping by today. I really appreciate it and I hope you've found some pleasure in the books I've hosted.

(((hugs)))

Louann

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